N.M. Democrats form PACs to counter GOP

Associated Press

Updated: Aug 14, 2012 12:36 PM

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A few Democrats serving in the New Mexico Senate have launched political action committees to counter Gov. Susana Martinez's financial clout.

Democratic Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino of Albuquerque tells The Albuquerque Journal that PACs were created after Democrats saw the amount of cash raised this year by a pair of groups headed by Martinez's political adviser, Jay McCleskey.

At least four organizations created in recent months by Senate Democrats who are unopposed in the November election.

Democrats currently outnumber Republicans 28-14 in the Senate, but Republicans are hoping to pick up seats in November.

Two fundraisers for the fledgling political groups have been held - one in Albuquerque and one in Las Cruces - and another is scheduled this week in Santa Fe.

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